
Thinking about using your home equity to boost your retirement? A reverse mortgage might be just what you need. While the process can seem a bit complicated, understanding the steps can make it much easier. Let’s take a look at how it all works, from start to finish.
What Exactly Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage lets homeowners, usually 62 and older, convert part of their home equity into cash without having to sell their home. And, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM is very common type of loan.
Additionally, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) backs up this type of loan. With a HECM, you don’t have to repay the loan until you move out permanently or pass away, though you still need to pay property taxes and insurance.
There are also proprietary or “jumbo” reverse mortgages for those with higher-value homes or non-FHA-approved condos. However, we’ll focus on the HECM process here.